Three-axis shackle assembly for mounted object and method for using same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is shackle assembly that includes a first frame member having a first pair of spaced-apart arm portions and a first base portion connecting the first arm portions to one another and a first securing member extending from one of the first arm portions to the other of the first arm portions, and a second frame member having a second pair of spaced-apart arm portions and a second base portion connecting the second arm portions to one another, where the first securing member is movable between a first position in which the second pair of arm portions are connected by the first securing member and a second position in which the second pair of arm portions are not connected by the first securing member.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present invention relates to articles of manufacture. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a shackle assembly forsecuring a mounted object and a method for using the shackle assembly.

2. Background

Space is a premium in the interior of many recreational vehicles.Consequently, it is often advantageous to mount accessories and otherobjects on the outside of the vehicle. For example, auxiliaryrecreational vehicle batteries can be mounting on the trailer hitch inthe front of a recreational vehicle. It, however, is a seriousdisadvantage of such exterior mountings, that the mounted objects aresusceptible to theft. Consequently, there is a desideratum for devicethat are effective in prevent such theft. There is a further desideratumfor theft prevention device that are simple to use and inexpensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Now in accordance with the invention, there has been found a shackleassembly for securing a mounted object and a method for using theshackle assembly that meet these and additional needs. In one aspect ofthe invention, a three axis shackle assembly for a mounted objectcomprises a first frame member, a second frame member and a firstsecuring member. In one aspect, the first frame member comprises a pairof spaced-apart first arm portions, each of the first arm portionshaving a first end and a second end, and a first base portion connectingthe first ends of the first arm portions to one another. And in oneaspect, the second frame member comprises a pair of spaced-apart secondarm portions, each of the second arm portions having a first end and asecond end, and a second base portion connecting the first ends of thesecond arm portions to one another.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first arm portions of the firstpair of arm portions form an angle of about ninety degrees with thefirst base portion and the second arm portions of the second pair of armportions form an angle of about ninety degrees with the second baseportion. And in one embodiment, a protective plate is disposed at thesecond end of at least one of arms of the first pair of arms. In anotherembodiment, at least one hole in at least one of the second ends of atleast one of the arms of the first pair of arms or the arms of thesecond pair of arms.

In one aspect of the invention, the first securing member is configuredto extend from a first one of the second arm portions to the other ofthe second arm portions, where the first securing member is movablebetween a first position in which the second pair of arm portions areconnected by the first securing member and a second position in whichthe second pair of arm portions are not connected by the first securingmember. And in one aspect, the three-axis shackle assembly furthercomprises a second securing member configured to extend from a first oneof the first arm portions to the other of the first arm portions, wherethe second securing member is movable between a first position in whichthe first pair of arm portions are connected by the second securingmember and a second position in which the first pair of arm portions arenot connected by the second securing member.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first securing member isintegral with the first base portion. And in one embodiment, the firstsecuring member forms a ninety degree angle with the first base portion.In another embodiment, the first securing member is integral with thesecond securing member. And in one embodiment, the first securing memberforms a ninety degree angle with the second securing member.

In another aspect of the invention, the first securing member comprisestwo substantially parallel connection arms. Each connection arms has afirst end and a second end and at least one spacing arm connects theconnection arms to one another. In one aspect, the securing member ismovable between a first position in which each connection arm isconnected to an arm portion and a second position in which there is noconnection arm is connected to an arm portion.

Turning to a method for securing a mounted object having a first surfaceand an opposing second surface with a three-axis shackle assembly inaccordance with the invention. In one aspect of the inventive method,the first base portion is placed adjacent the first surface of anobject. And in one embodiment, the second base portion is placedadjacent a second opposing surface of the object. And in another aspect;one of the second arm portions is connected to the other of the secondarm portions with the first securing member and the first securingmember is moved adjacent the first surface of the object.

In an alternative embodiment of the inventive method, the first baseportion is placed adjacent the first surface of an object. And in oneembodiment, the second base portion is placed adjacent the first surfaceof the object. And in another aspect; one of the second arm portions isconnected to the other of the second arm portions with the firstsecuring member and the first securing member is moved adjacent thesecond opposing surface of the object.

In one aspect of the inventive method, movement between a first positionin which the second pair of arm portions are connected by the firstsecuring member and a second position in which the second pair of armportions are not connected by the first securing member is prevented.And in one aspect, a pin or a padlock or other obstruction device can beinserted through at least one lock hole formed in at least one of thesecond ends the arm portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, together with the specification, illustrateexemplary embodiments, and, together with the description, serve toexplain the principles of these embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one aspect of a three-axis shackleassembly in accordance with one aspect of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top elevation view of the three-axis shackle assembly shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the three-axis shackle assembly shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an end elevation view of the three-axis shackle assembly shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second aspect of a three-axis shackleassembly in accordance with one aspect of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a top elevation view of the three-axis shackle assembly shownin FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the three-axis shackle assembly shownin FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is an end elevation view of the three-axis shackle assembly shownin FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third aspect of a three-axis shackleassembly in accordance with one aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Particular embodiments of the invention are described below inconsiderable detail for the purpose of illustrating its principles andoperation. However, various modifications may be made, and the scope ofthe invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments describedbelow. For example, in the embodiments described below, there isdescribed a shackle assembly to secure a recreational vehicle batterymounting to a trailer hitch. However, one skilled in the art willunderstand that the shackle assembly can be used to secure other objectsand to secure recreational vehicle batteries and other objects mountedin other ways.

Shown in FIGS. 1-4 are different views of one embodiment of an assembledthree-axis shackle assembly 100 in accordance with one aspect of theinvention. The three-axis shackle assembly of this representativeembodiment comprises a first frame member 106, a second frame member 108and at least one securing member 110.

In one aspect of the invention, the first frame member 106 includes afirst base portion 112. Extending from the first base portion is a pairof spaced-apart first arm portions 114.

And in one aspect of the invention, the first base portion 112 and thefirst arm portions 114 all have substantially linear longitudinal axes.In one aspect, the first arm portions are oriented substantiallyparallel to one another and, in one aspect, each of the first armportions form a substantially ninety degree angle with the first baseportion.

In another aspect of the invention, the second frame member 108 includesa second base portion 122. Extending, from the second portion is a pairof spaced-apart second arm portions 124.

And one aspect of the invention, the second base portion 122 and thesecond arm portions 124 all have substantially linear longitudinal axes.In one aspect, the second arm portions are oriented substantiallyparallel to one another and, in one aspect, each of the second armportions form a substantially ninety degree angle with the second baseportion.

In another aspect of the invention, at least one protective plateportion is formed in at least one of the arm portions. As best seen inthe representative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the shackle assembly100 includes a protective plate portion 126 disposed at the distal endof each of the first arm portions 114 of the first pair of arm portions.And, in the representative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, thelongitudinal axis of each plate portion is substantially perpendicularto the longitudinal axis of the first base portion 112.

The first and second frame members may have any suitable cross-sectionwhich may be the same as or different from one another. Suitablecross-sections include, without limitation, a polygonal cross-section,such as square or rectangular cross-section, or a circularcross-section. In the representative embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-4, thearm portions have a rectangular cross-section.

In one aspect of the invention, the first securing member 110 has afirst end 130 and a second end 132 mountable between one of the secondpair of arm portions 124 and the other of the second pair of portions,respectively. As best seen in the representative embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, in one aspect, the first securing member is formedintegrally with the first base portion 112 and in one aspect the firstsupport member forms an angle of ninety degrees with the first basemember 112.

The first securing member 110 is movable between a first position inwhich the second pair of arm portions 124 are connected by the firstsecuring member and a second position in which the second pair of armportions are not connected by the first securing member. As best seen inFIG. 2, in a representative embodiment, a pair of slots 134 formed inthe first and second ends 130 and 132, respectively, of the firstsecuring member correspond to the shape of the distal ends 136 of thesecond pair of arm portions. The distance between the slots correspondto the distance between the distal ends, such that, in a first position,the first securing member can be placed over the distal ends to connectthe second pair of arm portions. And in a second position, the firstsecuring member can be removed front the second frame member 108, so thesecond pair of arm portions are not connected by the first securingmember.

As best seen in FIG. 1, in one aspect of the shackle assemble 100, thefirst securing member 110 is slideable along at least a portion of thesecond pair of arm portions 124. And in one aspect of the invention, atleast one lock hole 140 is formed through at least one of the distalends 136 of the second pair of arm portions. By placing a pin or apadlock or other obstruction device through the lock hole, after thefirst securing member has been slipped on the second pair of armportions past the lock hole or pair of holes, the movement of the firstframe member from the first to second position can be prevented. In oneaspect of the invention, a plurality of lock holes (three shown in FIGS.1 and 4) are equally spaced from each of the distal ends of the secondpair of arm portions. It is an advantage of this embodiment that throughthe choice of which lock hole or pair of corresponding lock holes isobstructed, the distance between the second base portion 122 and thefirst securing member can be limited.

As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, in a representative embodiment, asecond base portion support 142 extends outwardly from both sides of thesecond base frame 122. In one embodiment, the second base portionsupport has the same length as the first base portion 110 and, in oneembodiment, the position of the second base portion corresponds to theposition of the first base frame when the shackle assembly 100 is in thefirst position.

It is an advantage of the shackle assembly 100 in accordance with theinvention that it can simultaneously secure one or more objects, such asthe two vehicle batteries shown in phantom in FIG. 1 in therepresentative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the shackle assemblyincludes a second securing member 146 having a first end 148 and asecond end 150 mountable between one of the first pair of arm portions114 and the other of the first pair of portions, respectively. As bestseen in the representative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in oneaspect, the longitudinal axis of the first base portion support isparallel to the longitudinal axis of the second securing member.

The second securing member 146 is movable between a first position inwhich the first pair of arm portions 114 are connected by the secondsecuring member and a second position in which the first pair of armportions are not connected by the second securing member. As best seenin FIGS. 1 and 3, in a representative embodiment, a pair of slots 154formed in the distal ends of the first pair of arm portions correspondto the shape of the first end 148 of the second securing member. Thelength of the second support member is greater than the length of thefirst base member 112. In the first position, the first pair of armportions are connected by inserting the first end of the second supportmember through the second pair of slots until a stop flange 156 disposedat the second end 150 of the second securing member contacts one of thearm portions of the second pair of arm portions and the first end 148 ofthe second securing member projects past the other arm portion of thesecond set of arm portions. And in a second position, the secondsecuring member can be removed from the first frame member 108, so thefirst pair of arm portions are not connected by the second securingmember.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4 in one aspect of the shackle assemble 100,at least one lock hole 160 is formed through the portion of the firstend 148 of the second securing member 146 that projects past the armportion of the second set of arm portions. By placing a pin, a padlockor other obstruction device through the lock hole, the removal of thesecond securing member from the first frame base 106 can be prevented.

Shown in FIGS. 5-8 are different views of an assembled three-axisshackle assembly 200 in accordance with another aspect of the invention.The three-axis shackle assembly of this representative embodimentcomprises a first frame member 206, a second frame member 208 and atleast one securing member 210.

In one aspect of the invention, the first frame member 206 includes afirst base portion 212. Extending from the first base portion is a pairof spaced-apart first arm portions 214.

And in one aspect of the invention, the first base portion 212 and thefirst arm portions 214 have substantially linear longitudinal axes. Inone aspect, the first arm portions are oriented substantially parallelto one another and, in one aspect, each of the first arm portions form asubstantially ninety degree angle with the first base portion.

In another aspect of the invention, the second frame member 208 includesa second base portion 222. Extending from the first second portion is apair of spaced-apart second arm portions 224.

In one aspect of the invention, the second base portion 222 and thefirst arm portions 214 have substantially linear longitudinal axes. inone aspect, the second arm portions are oriented substantially parallelto one another and, in one aspect, each of the second arm portions forma substantially ninety degree angle with the second base portion.

The first and second frame members may have any suitable cross-sectionwhich may be the same as or different from one another. Suitablecross-sections include, without limitation, a polygonal cross-section,such as square or rectangular cross-section, or a circularcross-section. In the representative embodiments shown in FIGS. 5-8, thearm portions have a rectangular cross-section.

And in one aspect, the first securing member 210 has a first end 230 anda second end 232 mountable between one of the first pair of arm portions224 and the other of the second pair of portions, respectively. Thefirst securing member is movable between a first position in which thefirst pair of arm portions are connected by the first securing member(shown in FIG. and 2) and a second position in which the first pair ofarm portions are not connected by the first securing member. As bestseen in FIG. 6, in a representative embodiment, a first pair of slots234 correspond to the shape of the first and second ends of the firstpair of arm portions. The distance between the slots corresponds to thedistance between the first and second ends, such that, in a firstposition, the first securing member can be placed over the first andsecond ends to connect the first pair of arm portions. And in a secondposition, the first securing member can be removed from the first framemember 206, so the first pair of arm portions are not connected by thefirst securing member.

As best seen in FIG. 5, in one aspect of the shackle assemble 200, thefirst securing member 210 is slideable along at least a portion of thefirst pair of arm portions 214. In one embodiment, a retention flange238 extends outwardly from the distal end of one of arm portions of thefirst pair of arms. And as best seen in FIGS. 5 and 7, in arepresentative embodiment of the invention, at least one lock hole 240is formed through the distal end of the other of the first pair of armportions. By placing a pin or a padlock or other obstruction devicethrough the lock hole, after the first securing member has been slippedonto the first pair of arm portions past the lock hole, the removal ofthe first securing member from the first frame member 206 can beprevented. In one aspect of the invention, a plurality of lock holes(three shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 are spaced along the distal end of theother of the first pair of arm portions. It is an advantage of thisembodiment that through the choice of which lock hole is obstructed, thedistance between the first base portion 212 and the first securingmember can be limited.

In one aspect of the shackle assemble 200 shown in FIGS. 5-8, a secondsecuring member 246 having a first end 248 and a second end 250 ismovable between a first position in which the second pair of armportions 224 are connected by the second securing member and a secondposition in which the second pair of arm portions are not connected bythe second securing member. As best seen in FIG. 6, in a representativeembodiment, a pair of slots 254 formed in the first and second ends ofthe second securing member correspond to the shape of the distal ends ofthe second pair of arm portions. The distance between the slotscorresponds to the distance between the distal ends, such that, in afirst position, the second securing member can be placed over the distalends to connect the second pair of arm portions. And in a secondposition, the second securing member can be removed from the secondframe member 208, so the second pair of arm portions are not connectedby the second securing member.

As best seen in FIG. 5, in a representative embodiment, the secondsecuring member 246 is slideable along at least a portion of the secondpair of arm portions 224. And as best seen in FIGS. 5 and 8, in arepresentative embodiment, at least one lock hole 260 is formed throughat least at least one of the distal ends of the second pair of armportions. By placing a pin or a padlock or other obstruction devicethrough the lock hole, after the second securing member has been slippedon the second pair of arm portions past the lock hole or pair of holes,the removal of the second locking member from the second frame member208 can be prevented. It is an advantage of this embodiment that throughthe choice of which lock hole is obstructed, the distance between thesecond base portion 222 and the second securing member can be limited.

In a representative embodiment, the first securing member 210 is formedintegrally with the second securing member 246. And as best seen inFIGS. 5 and 6, in a representative embodiment, the longitudinal axis ofthe first support member forms an angle of ninety degrees with thelongitudinal axis the second support member. Accordingly, when theshackle assemble 200 is assembled, the longitudinal axis of the firstsupport member 212 forms an angle of ninety degrees with thelongitudinal axis of the second support member 222.

Shown in FIG. 9 is another aspect of a three-axis shackle assembly 300in accordance with the invention. In the representative embodiment shownin FIG. 9, the three-axis shackle assembly comprises two frame members208 and a securing member 310.

In one aspect of the invention, each frame member 208 includes a baseportion 222 and extending from the ends of each base portion, a pair ofspaced-apart arm portions 224.

And in one aspect of the invention, the securing member 310 is formed oftwo substantially parallel connection arms 312, each connection armhaving a first end 230 and a second end 232. Each connection arms spacedapart by at least one spacing arm 314 (two shown in FIG. 9).

In one aspect of the invention, the securing member 310 is movablebetween a first position in which the arm portions 224 are connected bythe securing member and a second position in which the arm portions arenot connected by the securing member. In a representative embodiment, aslot is formed in the each of the first and second ends 230 and 232,respectively, of the securing member correspond to the shape of thedistal ends of the arm portions. The distance between the slotscorrespond to the distance between the distal ends, such that, in afirst position, the securing member can be placed over the distal endsto connect the arm portions of both frame members 208. And in a secondposition, the securing member can be removed from the frame members 208,so the arm portions are not connected by the securing member.

In the representative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the securingmember 310 is sliceable along at least a portion of the arm portions224. And in one aspect of the invention, at least one lock hole 260 isformed through at least one of the distal ends arm portions. By placinga pin or a padlock or other obstruction device through the lock hole,after the securing member has been slipped on the arm portions past thelock hole or pair of holes, the movement of the frame members from thefirst to second position can be prevented.

In one aspect of the invention, a plurality of lock holes (three shownin FIG. 9) are equally spaced from each of the distal ends of the armportions. It is an advantage of this embodiment that through the choiceof which lock hole or pair of corresponding lock holes is obstructed,the distance between the base portions 222 and the securing member 310can be limited.

The shackle assembly may be made of any suitable material. Usefulmaterials include metals, such as stainless steel, engineering plasticsor carbon fiber materials and the like.

Turning to a method for securing a mounted object having a first surfaceand an opposing second surface with a three-axis shackle assembly inaccordance with the invention. In one aspect, the shackle assembly has afirst frame member, second frame member and a first securing member. Thefirst frame member has a pair of spaced-apart first arm portions, eachof the first arm portions with a first end and a second end, and a firstbase portion connecting the first ends of the first arm portions to oneanother. The second frame member has a pair of spaced-apart second armportions, each of the second arm portions with a first end and a secondend, and a second base portion connecting the first ends of the secondarm portions to one another.

In one embodiment of the inventive method, the first base portion isplaced adjacent the first surface of an object. And in one embodiment,the second base portion is placed adjacent a second opposing surface ofthe object. And in another aspect; one of the second arm portions isconnected to the other of the second arm portions with the firstsecuring member and the first securing member is moved adjacent thefirst surface of the object.

In one embodiment of the inventive method, the first base portion isplaced adjacent the first surface of an object. And in one embodiment,the second base portion is placed adjacent the first surface of theobject. And in another aspect; one of the second arm portions isconnected to the other of the second arm portions with the firstsecuring member and the first securing member is moved adjacent thesecond opposing surface of the object.

In one aspect of the inventive method, movement between a first positionin which the second pair of arm portions are connected by the firstsecuring member and a second position in which the second pair of armportions are not connected by the first securing member is prevented.The movement can be prevented by any suitable technique. For example, apin or a padlock or other obstruction device can be inserted through atleast one lock hole formed in at least one of the second ends the armportions. By obstructing the lock hole, after the first securing memberhas been slipped on the second pair of arm portions past the lock holeor pair of holes, the movement of the first frame member from the firstto second position is prevented.

I claim:
 1. A three-axis shackle assembly for a mounted objectcomprising: a first frame member comprising a pair of spaced-apart firstarm portions, each of the first arm portions having a first end and asecond end, and a first base portion connecting the first ends of thefirst arm portions to one another; a second frame member comprising: apair of spaced-apart second arm portions, each of the second armportions having a first end and a second end, and a second base portionconnecting the first ends of the second arm portions to one another; afirst securing member configured to extend from a first one of thesecond arm portions to the other of the second arm portions, where thefirst securing member is movable between a first position in which thesecond pair of arm portions are connected by the first securing memberand a second position in which the second pair of arm portions are notconnected by the first securing member and a second securing memberconfigured to extend from a first one of the first arm portions to theother of the first arm portions, where the second securing member ismovable between a first position in which the first pair of arm portionsare connected by the second securing member and a second position inwhich the first pair of arm portions are not connected by the secondsecuring member.
 2. The three-axis shackle assembly of claim 1 furthercomprising a protective plate disposed at the second end of at least oneof arms of the first pair of arms.
 3. A method for securing a mountedobject having a first surface and an opposing second surface comprising:placing a first frame member having a pair of spaced-apart first armportions, each of the first arm portions having a first end and a secondend, the spaced-apart first arm portions oriented along a first axis anda first base portion connecting the first ends of the first arm portionsto one another, so that the first base portion is adjacent a firstsurface of an object, the first base portion oriented along a secondaxis, the second axis perpendicular to the first axis; placing a secondframe member having a pair of spaced-apart second arm portions, each ofthe second arm portions having a first end and a second end, thespaced-apart second arm portions oriented along the first axis and asecond base portion connecting the first ends of the second arm portionsto one another, so that the second base portion is adjacent a secondopposing surface of the object, the second base portion oriented along athird axis, the third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes; anda first securing member configured to extend from a first one of thesecond arm portions to the other of the second arm portions, where thefirst securing member is movable between a first position in which thesecond pair of arm portions are connected by the first securing memberand a second position in which the second pair of arm portions are notconnected by the first securing member, the first securing memberoriented along the third axis when in the first position and connectingone of the second arm portions to the other of the second as portionswith a first securing member; and moving the first securing memberadjacent the first surface of the object.
 4. The method of claim 3wherein the object is a recreational vehicle battery.
 5. The method ofclaim 3 further comprising connecting one of the first arm portions tothe other of the first arm portions with a second securing member; andmoving the second securing member adjacent the second opposing surfaceof the object.
 6. The method of claim 3 further comprising preventingmovement between a first position in which the second pair of armportions are connected by the first securing member and a secondposition in which the second pair of arm portions are not connected bythe first securing member.
 7. The method of claim 6 where the movementis prevented by inserting a lock through a hole the second end of atleast one arm portion.
 8. A three-axis shackle assembly for a mountedobject comprising: a first frame member comprising: a pair ofspaced-apart first arm portions, each of the first arm portions having afirst end and a second end, the spaced-apart first arm portions orientedalong a first axis and a first base portion connecting the first ends ofthe first arm portions to one another, the first base portion orientedalong a second axis, the second axis perpendicular to the first axis; asecond frame member comprising a pair of spaced-apart second armportions, each of the second arm portions having a first end and asecond end, the spaced-apart second arm portions oriented along thefirst axis and a second base portion connecting the first ends of thesecond arm portions to one another, the second base portion orientedalong a third axis, the third axis orthogonal to the first and secondaxes; and a first securing member configured to extend from a first oneof the second arm portions to the other of the second arm portions,where the first securing member is movable between first position inwhich the second pair of arm portions are connected by the firstsecuring member and a second position in which the second pair of armportions are not connected by the first securing member, the firstsecuring member oriented along the third axis when in the firstposition.
 9. The three-axis shackle assembly of claim 8 wherein thefirst securing member and the first base portion are oriented in thesame plane.
 10. The three-axis shackle assembly of claim 8 where thefirst arm portions form an angle of ninety degrees with the first baseportion and the second arm portions form an angle of ninety degrees withthe second base portion.
 11. The three-axis shackle assembly of claim 8wherein the first securing member and the first base portion areoriented in the same plane.
 12. The three-axis shackle assembly of claim11 wherein the first securing member forms a ninety degree angle withthe first base portion.
 13. The three-axis shackle assembly of claim 8further comprising at least one hole in at least one of the second endsof at least one of the arms of the first pair of arms or the arms of thesecond pair of arms.